Woodrow Wilson to Richard Heath Dabney

Woodrow Wilson to Richard Heath Dabney

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

WWP20422

1881 May 31

Wodorow Wilson asks his friend Richard Heath Dabney about debate contest results at the University of Virginia and talks about his social life.

English

My dear Heath,

In pursuance of a sudden resolution to square accounts with all my correspondents, I have for the past week been bravely writing letter after letter until now all my correspondents are in my debt except yourself. Yours was the last letter to come, of those that I have been answering, and I have felt obliged to reply to them in chronological order, but I should come hopelessly into arrears to some one.I was astounded, I must confess, at the result of the oratorical contest in the Wash. Her materials must be poor indeed, if Fenn be her best “orator.” I remember the fellow well. That is, I remember his appearance—there was little else about him to strike one. He suggested to me a greasy junk-shop Jew who had been partially washed and renovated and oiled that he might appear to less overwhelming disadvantage among decent people. The extravagantly long coat and the tilt of his hat were enough to fix upon him the stamp of vulgarity. The leaders of the Wash. can't feel that they have much ground for congratulating themselves on the result of separating the medals and setting up a false standard by laying down a false distinction. I am glad that Wilkerson won the debater's medal. He used to impress me as one of the very best men in Minor's classes—always familiar with the lesson and always clear-headed,—every way a solid man. You are fortunate in having secured him for “our” table.

Instead of growing duller and quieter as the warm weather comes on, times are becoming more lively here. We are having all sorts of excursions and entetainments entertainments, the latter chiefly musical—for very few people here seem unduly eager to give “parties” or dinings. The principal social events of the season have been wedding receptions. Various young couples have recently hazarded union. Meanwhile I go pensively amongst the darlings yet unmarried and wonder how many years of comparative starvation will suffice to bring me enough practice to think of risking my fortunes in like ventures!How is Sam. Woods getting on now? Give the old fellow lots of love from me when you see him. I would so like to have an afternoon's controversy with him after the manner of old times.

Here's a tidbit from the Sun that I'm tempted to send you for practice in the “heavy English” style of pronounciation:

I had a touching piece after the style of the poem touching the experiment of writing “Agnes, I love thee” in the sand; but it's in a book, and too long for transcription in this epistle, so you'll have to wait for it as best you can.I thought when I read the article on Fraternities in the Magazine that the sentiments were exceeding familiar. I first I guessed that Chas. was the author. Certainly it expresses my sentiments—and expresses them with considerable force too.

How are the prospects for the degree? Do you still stick to the big ticket. I suppose it don't seem so big now that I'm not near enough to drop in on you in study hours! How I would like to do that same, though! I hope you'll have the very best luck.Much love to all the boys, and regards to all inquiring friends—to Lefevre and Andrews, whether they inquire or no.

Very sincerely your friend, and bro. in ??

T. Woodrow Wilson

Letter

Dabney, Richard Heath, 1860-1947